Has anyone replaced the power steering return hose on a 1988 F250?

The hose comes from the reservoir as 3/8" rubber hose, and then goes onto metal tubing, and then rubber again, and finally back to metal at the steering box. The hose winds all the way down the front axle and back up. I went to the parts store to get a replacement hose and their computer said all I need is about a foot of the rubber 3/8" hose.

I could easily just use a foot of the rubber hose to go from the reservoir to steering box, but why is there 6 feet of metal and rubber tubing? Do I need that extra tubing? Does it need to have the metal tubing?

the wound up metal tubing acts as a cooler.

you just need the rubber hose, and hose clamps if you dont already have them.

also flush out the cooler tubing before you hook it all back up

you just need the rubber hose, and hose clamps if you dont already have them.

also flush out the cooler tubing before you hook it all back up


Mine is leaking from the metal tubing if I didn't mention that. If I replace the metal with rubber, it sounds like I won't get the cooling I need.

Can I use metal fuel line tubing? What is the flare style and thread size on the fitting that goes into the steering box?

does it have a hole in it? or is it leaking where the rubber slips over the metal tubing?

does it have a hole in it? or is it leaking where the rubber slips over the metal tubing?

The metal tubing is all rusted out is leaking from several pin holes the rust created.

they should have a new one at the parts store, if not you could just cut the tubing a couple inch's before the inlet on the box. then just run the rubber tube from the pump and clamp it to the inlet tube.